June 28, 2012
New York

Cape Vincent residents speak out on wind power zoning plan

www.wwnytv.com 28 June 2012

Armed with notes and an open microphone, residents of the town of Cape Vincent had their first chance Wednesday night to react to a proposed zoning law.

It’s a plan that would put major restrictions on wind turbines in the town, which is a proposed site for a $300 million wind farm.

The plan would limit vibration and sound, along with restricting where turbines can be placed.

The law would keep them at least 1.25 miles from the village of Cape Vincent, all schools, and the Scenic Byway.

The plan also calls to keep turbines at least two miles away from the most populated areas.

Officials say their plan is based on a series of scientific studies on the affects of turbines.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s appropriate from a health and safety and welfare standpoint to put in a hundred towers where you have a considerably higher population density,” planning board member Bob Brown said.

Residents opposed to wind turbines voiced their appreciation for the plan.

“Thank you, thank you for a group of people finally, after so many years, looking out for the safety, looking out for the health of the community, and keeping it the way it is,”Michelle Oswald said.

“Thank you to each committee member for this time and effort,” another resident said.

Not everybody was there to say thank you to the board for their hard work. There was a pro-wind contingency who voiced their concerns that this plan is too restricting.

“You’re actually shutting the wind right out of the community,” Mike Bell said.

“You’ve got it so restrictive, there is no land for a wind turbine.”

Officials say they’ll take the next three days to review the community’s comments and, if necessary, make any changes to the plan before it goes before the town board in late July.

[vdieo available]

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/28/cape-vincent-residents-speak-out-on-wind-power-zoning-plan/